Apple Faces Criticism for Matching Donations to Organizations Linked to Israeli Military Assault and Illegal Settlements
Introduction:
Apple is facing backlash from its employees and shareholders over its practice of matching employee donations to organizations associated with the Israeli military assault on the Gaza Strip and illegal settlement development in the West Bank. In an open letter, the employees and shareholders demand that Apple investigate and cease matching donations to organizations supporting illegal settlements and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Apple’s Donation Matching Program:
Like many large corporations, Apple allows its employees to make donations to nonprofit organizations through a platform called Benevity. Apple also offers to match these donations. Among the eligible organizations for matching contributions are Friends of the IDF, which collects donations for Israeli soldiers, and several groups that contribute to settlement development in the West Bank.
The Call for Investigation and Ceasefire:
The open letter from Apple employees and shareholders builds upon a previous demand for a ceasefire in the conflict. It urges Apple to promptly investigate and cease matching donations to organizations involved in illegal settlements and supporting the IDF. The letter argues that there has been insufficient scrutiny of these organizations, which are described as “the worst actors” by Diala Shamas, a senior staff attorney at the Center for Constitutional Rights.
Legal Challenges and Enforcement:
The letter highlights a legislative effort in New York called the “Not On Our Dime Act,” which aims to challenge nonprofit organizations’ ability to fundraise for illegal settlements. However, laws against funding activities violating international human rights law are poorly enforced by the IRS. This lack of enforcement places the responsibility on companies and individuals to ensure their contributions do not support potentially illegal activities.
The Role of Apple Employees:
Apple employees, organizing under the name Apples4Ceasefire, have previously objected to the disciplining and firing of employees who expressed support for the Palestinian people. The employees’ concerns extend beyond donation matching and address broader issues of complicity between tech companies and ongoing conflicts.
Tech Companies and Activism:
The open letter from Apple employees and shareholders follows a trend of activism within tech companies. Google fired employees who protested the company’s involvement in a cloud-computing project serving the Israeli government and military. Employees of Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, have criticized the company’s treatment of Palestinian solidarity. This activism reflects a growing awareness and concern among tech workers regarding their employers’ involvement in conflicts.
Scrutiny of Donations to NGOs:
The provision of donations to NGOs supporting the illegal occupation of the West Bank has faced increased scrutiny. The situation in the region has deteriorated since the October 7 attacks by Hamas and subsequent Israeli military actions. The conduct and discipline of the IDF have come under particular scrutiny, with accusations of torture, extrajudicial killings, and other abuses against Palestinians. Social media footage posted by IDF service members themselves has shown apparent looting and mistreatment of Palestinian detainees.
Controversial Organizations on Apple’s List:
The open letter questions Apple’s support for organizations on its donation matching list that have ties to religious extremism or engage in activities deemed illegal under international law. For example, the One Israel Fund includes a talk on its website that discusses the “Arab Takeover of Judea and Samaria,” invoking the religious name for the West Bank. HaYovel, a Christian Zionist organization, aims to further the “prophetic restoration” of the West Bank. The Jewish National Fund has faced criticism for its involvement in systematic discrimination against Palestinians and ongoing support for their dispossession.
Apple’s Commitment to Human Rights:
Apple claims to respect internationally recognized human rights frameworks, including the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. However, the UN Human Rights Office has repeatedly condemned atrocities committed by the IDF since the conflict began.
Conclusion:
Apple’s practice of matching employee donations to organizations involved in the Israeli military assault and illegal settlements has sparked criticism from its employees and shareholders. The open letter calls for an investigation and cessation of matching donations to these organizations. The letter highlights the need for scrutiny and enforcement of laws against funding activities that violate international human rights law. It also reflects a broader trend of activism within tech companies regarding their involvement in conflicts. Apple’s commitment to human rights is called into question, given the allegations of atrocities committed by the IDF.
